ERIC Mckechnie was operated on, on Monday, 7 March, for burn wounds he sustained after he was struck by lightning on 28 February, in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal. He is currently in the ICU Trauma Unit at the Netcare Sunninghill Hospital.
Gwen, his wife, told the RECORD that his burn wounds are in his neck, where his neck jewellery hung. The neck jewellery was found in pieces next to the car.
“It is going well, and he is stable,” she said.
According to Gwen, all tests that have been done have come back with positive results. The couple from Alberton were away for the weekend in Bergville, for their wedding anniversary.
This year the couple decided to go away for their anniversary, as they only celebrate it every four years since they were married on a leap year.
“While driving, we noticed an amazing cloud with rays of sun burning through it and we stopped to take photos,” she said. According to Gwen, her husband was standing on the driver’s side of the car, with the door open. She was busy on her cellphone when she heard an overpowering bang. When she looked up, she could not see her husband.
Gwen said she immediately got out of the vehicle to search for her husband and found him lying next to the vehicle, showing no signs of life. “Eric had an extensive burn wound to his left shoulder and around his neck. The top part of his shirt was completely torn to pieces and scattered around him.”
She said that she immediately phoned the resort where they were staying at and asked the staff to call an ambulance. She added that her husband was not breathing and she could not find a pulse. Gwen immediately started CPR on him while waiting for an ambulance. While she was administering CPR, a taxi drove past and pulled over.
A woman got out of the taxi and explained that she was a nurse and offered to help. They then performed CPR together. Gwen said that while they were performing CPR, more and more people from the taxi started to gather around them and began to sing and pray.
Shortly before paramedics from ER24 arrived on the scene, the man regained a pulse and spontaneous breathing.
ER24 paramedics treated the man for his burn wounds and rushed him off to a hospital in Ladysmith for further care.
“We do not know if the lightning struck Eric or the car directly, as there is a dip in the roof of the car.”
She said that all the electronics in the car were knocked out.
Gwen said that she can just praise the Lord during this time for sending so many wonderful people across her path. “We live in a broken country with many wonderful people filled with the love of our gracious Father in heaven.”
Gwen returned from Ladysmith on Monday night, 29 February. “I feel blessed knowing that my husband will soon be home.” She also thanked everyone for their prayers and support.
*The RECORD will keep readers up to date about Eric’s condition.
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